If the next pope is from sub-Saharan Africa, he would be the first in Catholic Church history.

Every pope has his critics.

Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, arrives for the presentation of Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke's book Divine Love Made Flesh, in Rome, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015. The Vatican said Saturday it was necessary and urgent to return to in-person Masses as soon as coronavirus lockdowns permit. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)VATICAN CITY – The Vatican said Saturday it was “necessary and urgent” to return to in-person Masses as soon as anti-coronavirus measures permit. The head of the Vatican’s liturgy office, Cardinal Robert Sarah, said in a letter to bishops conferences that virtual liturgies, while useful, were no replacement for the real thing. In recent weeks Francis has resumed public gatherings and has celebrated a handful of public Masses before limited, socially distanced groups.